Google announced that with the Android 14 update, it will bring two-way communication to Android devices via satellite connection. While the stable update for Android 14 has yet to be released, it seems that the company is working with Garmin to bring two-way satellite messaging to Android phones in the future.
Satellite messaging doping on Android
Google is reportedly bringing satellite-based messaging features to Android phones via its Messages app. Developer Neil Rahmouni found several code strings in the latest version of the Google Messages app, and the code reads: “For questions about your emergency, call Garmin Response at %1$s. Call your local emergency number to report a new emergency.” expressions were observed.
Google may roll out this new feature after the stable version of Android 14 is released in more than 150 countries around the world. Garmin already has multiple products with satellite-based connectivity for emergency messaging. The company is working with Iridium, which owns a worldwide constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites, to provide satellite connectivity. Garmin says it offers satellite connectivity in more than 150 countries on its site.
However, Apple became the first mainstream smartphone brand to bring the satellite-based emergency SOS system to its devices. Later, Huawei also rolled out a similar feature with its latest flagship phones. While Samsung was expected to introduce a similar feature with the Galaxy S23, this did not happen and TM Roh, head of the smartphone division, said the ecosystem is not ready yet. It is now rumored that this feature will launch with the Galaxy S24 early next year.
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